The Numbers in Numbers

So often we are tempted to brush over the sections of scripture that seem to have no meaning.  After all, is there really a reason for all of the begats? Why yes, in fact there is. How about all the numbers in Numbers?  Yes, there is a reason, and it is actually quite amazing!

In the second chapter of Numbers, the Lord gives instruction for how the tribes are to camp in the wilderness.  They are told to camp in military style using the tabernacle as the center, they are to set up as follows:

On the east side were the tribes of Judah, Issachar and Zebulun. “All who were numbered according to their armies of the forces with Judah, one hundred and eighty-six thousand four hundred (186,400) – these shall break camp first.” Numbers 2:9

On the south side were the tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad. “All who were numbered according to their armies of the forces with Reuben, one hundred and fifty-one thousand four hundred and fifty (151,450) – they shall be second to break camp.” Numbers 2:16

On the west side were the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin. “All who were numbered according to their armies of the forces with Ephraim, one hundred and eight thousand one hundred (108,100) – they shall be the third to break camp.” Numbers 2:24

On the north side were the tribes of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali. “All who were numbered of the forces with Dan, one hundred and fifty-seven thousand six hundred (157,600) – they shall break camp last, with their standards.” Numbers 2:31

Zzzzz…snore…zzzz…

No wake up! Check this out!

Military style meant that they were to organize in rows and columns. Take a really close look at the numbers! What this:

If each block in the following grids equal 1,000 and they are 10 across from the center, the entire camp would look like this:

Do you see it? It’s a CROSS!!

From the perspective of God on the throne of heaven, when He looked down on the children of Israel wandering in the desert, He saw a cross. Not only did He see a cross, but squarely in the center of it lay the tabernacle. The center of the tabernacle was the Holy of Holies containing the Mercy Seat, the place of His manifest presence, the place where He met with them.  He met with them on the cross!